Our Family History

Family: James T. Distler / Joan Gabler (F3599)

m. 15 Nov 1958

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  • James T. Distler Male
    James T. Distler

    Birth  22 May 1934  St Marys, Elk, Pennsylvania, USA Find all individuals with events at this location
    Death  31 Mar 2015  St Marys, Elk, Pennsylvania, USA Find all individuals with events at this location
    Burial  7 Apr 2015  St Marys, Elk, Pennsylvania, USA Find all individuals with events at this location
    Marriage  15 Nov 1958  [1]  St Marys, Elk, Pennsylvania, USA  [1] Find all individuals with events at this location
    Father  Wallace Francis Distler | F3591 Group Sheet 
    Mother  Florence Ethel Taylor | F3591 Group Sheet 

    Joan Gabler Female
    Joan Gabler

    Birth     
    Death     
    Burial     
    Father   
    Mother   

    Diane Distler Female
    Diane Distler

    Birth     
    Death     
    Burial     
    Spouse  Jack Seelye | F3598 
    Marriage     

    Frank Distler Male
    Frank Distler

    Birth     
    Death     
    Burial     
    Spouse  Lynn | F3600 
    Marriage     

    Thomas Distler Male
    Thomas Distler

    Birth     
    Death     
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    Spouse  Karen | F3601 
    Marriage     

    James Distler Male
    James Distler

    Birth     
    Death     
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    Spouse  Brenda | F3602 
    Marriage     

  • Notes  Married:
    • St. Mary's Catholic Church

  • Sources 
    1. [S2] Staff, Daily Press, The, (Name: Daily Press, The; Location: St. Marys, Elk, Pennsylvania, United States;), Obituary: Distler, James T. 2APR2015.
      James T. Distler, 80, of 126 Edward Rd., St. Marys, died Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at his home following an illness of the past several months.

      He was born May 22, 1934, a son of the late Wallace "Boobie" and Florence Taylor Distler.

      On Nov. 15, 1958 in St. Mary's Church, he married Joan Gabler Distler, who survives.

      He was a lifelong resident of the area and graduated from SMAHS, Class of 1953. He then served in the U.S. Air Force as a classifications specialist with the 6486 Air Based Group, where he served overseas for three years. He attended the DuBois Business College and received a degree in accounting and business administration and retired from Airco-Speer after more than 25 years of service. He was a life member of the American Legion, VFW, CMF, PFL and the Elks.

      He served on all levels of government throughout his life, having been a township supervisor from 1975-1983, chairman of the board for five years, county Veterans' Affairs director for four years and also with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was honored with the prestigious award of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains and was a member of the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail. He enjoyed playing cards, going to camp, and spending time with his family.

      In addition to his wife of more than 56 years, Joan Gabler Distler, he is survived by three sons, James (Brenda) Distler of Kersey, Thomas (Karen) Distler of Palm Bay, Fla., and Frank (Lynn) Distler of Essex Junction, Vt.; a daughter, Diane (Jack) Seelye of St. Marys; nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by a brother, Ronald (Julie) Distler of Maryland; two sisters-in-law, Carmella Distler of New York and Doris Distler of Illinois; and by a brother-in-law, Tony Caggeso of New York.

      In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wallace Distler; and by a sister, Lavonne "Bonnie" Caggeso.

      A Mass of Christian Burial for James T. Distler will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Church Street, St. Marys with the Rev. Alfred Patterson, OSB, officiating.

      Military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail.

      Interment will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

      Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Monday, April 6, 2015 from 5-8 p.m.

      Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail, 168 Center St., St. Marys, Pa. or to the Community Nurses / Community Nurses Hospice, 757 Johnsonburg Rd., Suite 200, St. Marys, Pa. 15857.

      Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com.

      Daily Press, The: 2APR2015
      HFA: 17APR2020